Notre Dame has the best returning secondary in the country for 2026 with all four starters back and another brilliant recruiting class — but they wanted to add even more depth from the transfer portal
moving forward. On Monday, Notre Dame has its public commitment from Michigan Wolverines defensive back, Jayden Sanders.
Sanders is a 6’1” 193 pound freshman from Kilgore, Texas, where he was a 4-Star recuit. He played in all 13 games this season as a true freshman for Michigan while logging 23 tackles, so he will have 3 years of eligibility remaining with the Irish.
Sanders immediately provides depth in the secondary, but more important for 2026, he likely becomes an impact player on special teams. Notre Dame may not have lost offensive or defensive starters to the transfer portal, but they did lose some key contributors on special teams — and Sanders can really help in that role right away.
Welcome to Notre Dame Jayden!
